The Pillars of Rensselaer Award is RPI’s highest and most prestigious honor for staff. Established in 1993 by Carl Westerdahl, this award recognizes a long-term staff member who has made a lasting impact on the Institute.
Criteria for the Pillars of Rensselaer Award
Nominees shall:
- Serve as a role model for other employees.
- Show concern for students and their welfare.
- Contribute to the human dimension of RPI.
- Play an active role in his/her community.
- Have been employed at RPI in a staff (non-faculty) role for at least 10 years.
- Demonstrate an understanding of RPI’s mission and history.
- Not have received this award in the past 10 years.
Nominations
Any member of the RPI community may nominate individuals for this award. There is no limit to the number of times an individual may be nominated; however, each nomination must include no more than three additional letters of support. Nominations remain under consideration for two years upon submission. Updates to previously submitted nominations are welcome.
- Eligibility: Full-time staff members with 10 or more years of service
- Nomination process: Nominations will open in August and will be facilitated in the Awardco platform.
- Reward: $3,000 + Tiffany Pin + Engraved Lucite
Meet the Pillars
Robert M. Conway Jr.* | Dale A. Viger ’07G | Robert W. Carney Jr. |
Phylis A. Federici | Katrin A. Wesner ’89G | Mary Alice O’Brien |
E. Jeanne Jenkins | Christopher Davey | Linda Kramarchyk |
Bonnie S. Carson | Peter F. Pedone | William C. Fahey |
Oliver S. Holmes Jr. | Paul J. Galbraith | Marie M. Dieffenbach |
Sharon L. Kunkel | Jacqueline M. Farmer | Cameron A. McLean |
Kerry J. Quinn | Samuel G. Chiappone Jr. ’99G | Dr. Leslie Lawrence |
Richard M. Hartt ’70 | Edward M. Staats | Jeannie Steigler |
Rebecca M. Danchak ’78G | Kevin G. Beattie ’05G | Louis Trzepacz |
Lynn M. Hopwood * | Jacquelyn Ellsworth | Janelle Fayette |
Elizabeth A. Large * | Geoffrey M. Seber | Kevin Surman |
* Deceased
